I read new Red Dwarf book before anyone else – one thing devastated me | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

To say I was devastated by the news that one of the funniest writers on the planet had passed away would be an understatement. Along with Doug Naylor, Grant created the British comedy sci-fi series that shaped who I am as a person today. Red Dwarf is the series I go back to over and over – if I’m sad, it’s guaranteed to cheer me up.

The new prequel, Titan, is set in an alternate universe to the original series, and set before the events of series one occurred. It follows lowly technicians Dave Lister and Arnold Rimmer as they head for shore leave on the eponymous moon of Saturn – only to run into various madcap hurdles along the way.

I’m going to avoid spoilers here as much as I can, but if you’re planning to pick up the novel, maybe don’t do it on public transport like I did. I got more than a few funny looks from fellow passengers as I giggled my way through the 416 pages. It’s certainly almost as funny as the show itself.

In being a prequel, the novel is obviously set before the introduction of fellow main characters the Cat and Kryten, both of whom don’t even exist before the accident that destroys the ship and strands our cast three million years in the future. I assumed, then, we wouldn’t be seeing them pop up here – but rest assured, the writers find a way.

Is that method a little bit convoluted? Yes. Do I mind? Not really. It’s worth it for the typical post-series two hijinks the reader is treated to – in particular a scene involving the Cat in the sewers, which acts as a kind of throwback to series two’s Tongue Tied segment.

In fact, there are numerous callbacks to the show that eagle-eyed fans should be on the lookout for, but Titan serves as a decent introduction to the uninitiated, too. We don’t get a rehashed introduction to the characters we know so well already, but I think the book is pretty much comprehensible to anyone who’s never seen an episode. Be warned – you’ll have 12 series and a feature-length special to get through when you realise just how funny Red Dwarf is.

The thing I’m most excited for now, having read the book ahead of its official release date on July 16th, is the audiobook release. It will be narrated by Rimmer actor Chris Barrie – who also read aloud the previous Red Dwarf novels, Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers, Better than Life and Backwards – and after his health scare last year, I’m glad to hear he’s back in the game.

However, this review is tinged with sadness. Titan is the final instalment Rob Grant will ever provide for the Red Dwarf franchise. It’s not out of the question his co-creator Doug Naylor could pen more episodes, with the duo parting ways creatively in 1993, but nevertheless fans have lost something special.

Red Dwarf Titan releases in the UK on July 16.